If you’ve ever struggled with making half square triangles (HSTs) or want to sharpen your skills, this video is for you! It’s an excerpt from my Dilly Dally Quilt Class, where I walk you through multiple ways to make HSTs two at a time. Whether aiming for accuracy or efficiency or exploring different techniques, you’ll learn tips for trimming, pressing, and getting perfectly sized blocks. If you enjoy this lesson, you’ll love the Dilly Dally class, which covers the entire quilt-making process with in-depth demos, expert tips, and plenty of creative inspiration. Join me and start mastering your quilting skills today!

✅ Step 1: choose Your Half Square Triangle Sewing Method

When making HSTs two at a time, you have three different ways to sew them. Each method helps you create consistent, accurate blocks. You just need to decide which works best for you.

• ✏️ Method 1: Drawn Line Method
  • Draw a line diagonally down the center of the square
  • Sew a scant quarter inch on either side of the drawn line.
  • Cut along the center line to create two HSTs.
  • PROS: No special tools needed, precise sewing guide.
  • CONS: Time consuming to draw lines, especially for large batches.

• 📏 Method 2: Washi Tape Method
  • Place washi tape on your sewing machine to create a center guide.
  • Align the fabric’s point with the tape as you sew.
  • Sew a scant quarter inch on either side of the centerline (no drawing required).
  • PROS: Speeds up the process by eliminating the need to mark lines
  • CONS: Requires careful tape placement for accuacy

• 🔴 Method 3: Sew Laser Method
  • Use a build in or attachable laser guide on your machine.
  • Sew a scant quarter inch on either side of the laser line.
  • No need for drawing lines or placing tape.
  • PROS: Fastest and most accurate method, no setup required.
  • CONS: Requires a sewing machine with a laser feature or an added laser attachment.

✅ Step 2: Choose Your Half Square Triangle Trimming Method

Once your HSTs are sewn and cut, it’s time to trim them to the perfect size. You have two main options for this step, each with its own benefits.

• ✂️ Method 1: Press First, Trim Second (Traditional Method)
  • Press the HSTs open.
  • Use a standard quilting ruler and washi tape to mark the desired size.
  • Trim the blocks to size after pressing.
  • PROS: Uses basic quilting tools, no specialty ruler required.
  • CONS: Pressing first can stretch or distort the blocks slightly
• 🪡 Method 2: Trim First, Press Second (Quilt in a Day ruler)
  • Use the Quilt in a Day Half Square Triangle Ruler to trim before pressing.
  • Place the ruler on the unpressed HST, trim the excess, then press it opn.
  • PROS: Faster and more accurate trimming, no distortion from pressing.
  • CONS: Requires purchasing a specialty ruler.

💡 Tips for Perfect Half Square Triangles

• Use a scant quarter inch seam allowance to avoid undersized blocks.
• Use pressing spray on the fabric before cutting for added stability.
• Press seams carefully (don’t stretch!) to keep blocks square.
• Chain piece for efficiency when making large batches.

🎥 Watch the Full Class

If you enjoyed this demo, you’ll love the Dilly Dally quilt class. It covers everything from fabric selection to piecing. You’ll get in-depth tutorials, expert tips, and plenty of creative inspiration to help you confidently make your own stunning quilt. Sign up and start quilting with me today!

If you love quilting tips like this, be sure to subscribe for more tutorials!

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Products used in the demo

• My Pressing Station (underneath my wool mat, I have a flannel/vinyl tablecloth protecting the table):
  • Iron
  • ​Wool pressing mat
  • ​Pressing spray
  • ​Misting bottle
  • Dingo pressing and cutting table 
• Cutting Station:
  • Rotary cutter
  • Smaller subcutting ruler
  • Rotating cutting mat
  • 6 1/2″ square ruler or another one I like
  • Washi tape
  • Ruler Grips
  • Quilt in a Day Half Square Triangle ruler
• Sewing Machine Station:
  • Juki 2000 on Amazon or Juki 2000 at Sewing Machine Plus
  • Sewing machine light
  • Daylight Slimline lamp 
  • Washi Tape
  • Diagonal Seam Tape
  • Sew Laser
  • Sewing cabinet 
  • Sewing chair 

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